Writing device



' Oct. 7, 1947. H. MossBAcH v2,428,378

WRITING DEVICE Filed Jan. 26, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet l -77 Z M37 l?? Oct.7, 1947'. H. MOSSBACH 2,428,378

WRITING DEVICE Filed Jan. 26, 1945 v5 Sheets-Sheet 2 l l 32 32 J4 7 5 J47 .6

INVENTOR. H5N1? Y /`7 0555/1 cH Oct. 7, 1947. H, MOSSBACH 2,428,378

WRITING DEVICE Filed Jan. 26, 1945 5 sheets-sheet 3 Oct. 7, 1947. HQMos'sBAcH 2,428,378

WRITING DEVCE` Filed Jan. 26. 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 i N VENTOR. #EN/Mams/4 c# Oct. 7, 1947. H. MossBACH WRITING DEVICE Filed Jan. 26, 1945 5Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. /e/way Nasse/ac# Patented Oct. 7, 1947 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE 13 Claims.

This invention relates to printing and writing devices, and it hasreference more particularly to hand operated devices for the selectiveprinting, by means of inked type, of characters such as letters of thealphabet, numerals and various other signs or symbols as now generallyused in typewriters to produce intelligible writing.

It is the principal object of this invention to provide a small, handoperated device of' the above character, adapted to be held for use inone hand, much in the manner of holding a pencil in writing, and wherebyindividual selection of any one of the provided type characters may beeasily and quickly` made and the selected character printed on aprinting surface.

It is also an object of the invention to provide novel means whereby, inthe printing of words or any succession of characters, an automaticspacing is effected incident to the printing operation.

More speciiically stated, the objects of the present invention reside inthe provision of a writing or printing device of the character abovestated, comprising a tubular outer case, which contains therein thecharacter printing mechanism, including a movable type carrying belt,and on which case, designations of all the characters that may beprinted are marked in columns for purpose of selection of type in aprinting operation; also, there being a character selector sleeveadjustably fitted on the case for movement therealong, having anindexing line thereon for registration with any desired characterdesignation in the columns, thereby to eifect movement of the typecarrying belt to bring the corresponding type into position for itsbeing printed; also, the selector means being equipped with a yieldinglatch mechanism, designed to be depressed by a finger of the hand inwhich the device is held, after a character selection has been made,thereby to cause the selector to be temporarily locked to the case andan operating connection made whereby the printing of the selectedcharacter on a writing surface may be completed.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a printing ortypewriting device of the character above stated, having a pair of smallwheels atits lower end for frictional rolling contact with the writingsurface, and which wheels arev operable through a novel indexingmeans,-to guide the device in its direction of advancement or travelacross the surface, both for the purpose of maintaining the desiredalinement of printed characters, and to eiect the proper indexing orspacing oi characters in the writing of words or in the printing ofnumerals.

Another object of the invention is to provide type inking means withinthe device whereby the type characters will be retained adequately inkedfor printingl Another object of the invention is to provide a printingdevice of the character and for the purpose above stated, wherein theparts reset themselves after each printing operation in readiness forthe next character selection and printing operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel meansior eiecting anoperating connection between the selector sleeve and type carrying beltwhereby all type characters on the belt can be brought individually intoprinting position by a movement of the selector sleeve within a distancethat is approximately one-half the length of the belt.

Still another object of the invention is t0 Drovide a writing orprinting device for the purposes and of the character above stated thatis relatively simple in construction; that is easy to assemble ordisassemble for repair or replacement of parts; that is light in weight,compact, easy to use and effective and efficient for its intendedpurposes.

Further objects of the invention are to be found in the relationship ofparts embodied in the device, and in their details of construction andcombination, as will hereinafter be fully described.

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, I haveprovided the improved details of construction, the preferred forms ofwhich Vare illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Fig. 1 isa iront, or face view of a writer or printing device embodied by thepresent invention.

Fig. 2 is the right-hand side View of the same.

Fig. 3 is a view of the device, showing the outer case and `thecharacter selector sleeve in longitudinal section for betterillustration of the type carrier belt and the means connecting the beltwith the selector sleeve.

Fig. 4 is a fragmental detail of a part of the movable characterselector sleeve, and a part of the case, illustrating the yieldablelatch pawl whereby an operating interlock may be eiected between thesleeve and the case preparatory to the moving of a selected type intoprinting contact with a writing surface.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, face view of the type carrier bar and indexingframe, or What, for better understanding and explanation is hereinaftertermed the stationary carriage"; a medial portion of these parts beingbroken away to permit reducing the length of the view.

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal, sectional view of the same parts taken on line6 6 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 'l is a cross sectional detail, taken on line 'l-I in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a cross sectional detail, taken online 8 8 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross sectional View taken through the case, theselector sleeve and the stationary carriage, at a location correspondingto that of line 9 9 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a front view of the ink pad carriers or what is herein calledthe type inking unit.

Fig. 10a is a cross sectional view taken on line 10aloa in Fig. 10.

Fig. 11 is a side view of the type inking unit as seen in Fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged elevation, with parts of the case and characterselector sleeve in section, showing a part of the type carrying belt andthe means connecting the selector with the belt for its movement;particularly showing the carry-over lever and its actuating means.

Fig. 13 is a similar view illustrating the function of the carry-overmechanism,

Fig. 14 is a longitudinal section taken on line Ill-I4 in Fig. 5,showing a part of the belt mounting bar and the trip spring of thecarryover mechanism.

Fig. 15 is a face view of a short length of the type belt, showing thearrangement of type on links of the belt.

Fig. 16 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the type carryingbelt.

Fig. 17 is a vperspective View of the present printing device as held inthe hand for use.

Fig. 18 is a perspective View of various parts of the device shown indisassembled relationship for purpose of description and betterunderstanding.

Briefly described, the present device comprises an outside case oftubular form, about which a relatively short character selector sleeveis fitted for easy sliding movement therealong. On its front face, thecase has two character columns formed therealong, one column comprisingthe letters of the alphabet, in regular order and evenly spaced, and theother column comprising numerals, symbols and marks other than letters,corresponding to those generally used on the keyboard of a typewriter.The two columns of characters are parallel and coextensive, as seen bestin Fig. 1.

Within the case is the carriage or indexing frame, heretofore referredto as the stationary carriage, which, at its lower end projects slightlyfrom the open lower end of the case, and there it mounts two wheels thatengage the writing surface and are adapted to be turned in unison toguide the 'device in a straight line across the writing surface as thewriting progresses, thus to aline the lprinted characters and, by anindexing means which accurately measures the extent of rotation witheach printing operation, to effect the proper spacing of successivelyprinted characters,

Also contained in and fixed to the case, and

slidable along the stationary carriage, is a longitudinal bar equippedwith means at upper and lower ends thereof for the support of acontinuous, traveling link belt on which the printing type, representedby the letters and characters on the front face of the case, aremounted.

The character selector sleeve has a novel operating connection with thebelt, and this connection is such that when the character selectorsleeve is moved along the case to register an indexing mark thereon withany selected character on the case, the belt is moved accordingly tolocate the corresponding type in position for printing. Also, there is alatch, or pawl mounted on the selector sleeve that, after a characterselection has been made, may be pressed by a linger of the hand in whichthe selector sleeve is grasped, into holding contact with a ratchetsurface on the case to thereby lock the sleeve relative to the case, andthus provide that, `upon applying downward pressure through the sleeve,the case will be moved downwardly along the stationary carriage, andthis downward movement of the Case moves the belt carrying bardownwardly and, through a pawl and ratchet connection with the inde-Xingand guide wheels, actuates the wheels to advance the device a distancefor proper spacing of characters, and then, in the final downwardmovement of the case, and after spacing has been. completed, presses theselected type into Contact with the printing surface to print itscharacter thereon.

Release of downward pressure against the selector sleeve permits thesleeve and selector to be lifted back to normal position, and the latchis then released for another character selection by movement of theselector sleeve along the case.

Referring more in detail to the drawings- The housing, or case of thepresent device, is designated by reference numeral I, and it ispreferably formed of metal or plastic, in continuous tubular form,rectangular in cross section and open at its ends. The open upper end isnormally closed by a removable cap-like member 2 which is part of theremovable type inking unit which subsequently will be fully described.

In order to facilitate identification of various parts of the case, thatwall thereof which is considered to be the front by reason of its havingthe character columns formed thereon, will be referred to as the face orfront wall of the case. The wall that is directly opposite the frontwall will be referred to as the back wall, and the other walls will bereferred to as the side walls. The front wall is designated by characterf, the back wall by character b and the opposite side walls,respectively, by characters r and l.

Contained within the case, lengthwise thereof, and providing for alimited slidable movement of the case lengthwise thereon, is thestationary carriage frame. This frame has been referred to as thestationary carriage because in the operation of printing, it rests atits lower end against the printing surface and operates as a carriagefor the case which moves upwardly and downwardly thereon in theselection and printing of characters. This stationary carriage comprisesa flat, bar-like strip of metal 5 that is disposed flatly against theinside surface of the wall b of the case, as shown in Figs. 6 and 9, andit extends substantially the full length of the case.

The lower end of the bar 5 normally projects just slightly from the openlower end of the case and it is formed at that end, along its oppositeside edges, with parallel flanges 6 and 6 turned forwardly at a rightangle to the plane of the bar. These flanges lie closely adjacent thecorresponding side walls T and l of the case, as observed best in Figs.3 and 9.

At its upper end, the bar 5 is somewhat tapered and terminates in anout-turned flange 1 that is located in the central longitudinal line ofthe case.

The bar 5 is held properly in place in the case by means of the typebelt supporting and guide bar it. This bar has been shown in face viewin Fig. 5 and in cross section in Figs. 8 and 9 as being affixedlengthwise within the case as a retainer and guide for the bar 5. It isfixed to the back wall b in the central longitudinal line of the case,and it will be observed by reference t0 Fig. 18, that the bar lo isthere shown as being made up of three strips of metal which form arelatively widecen- `tral rib -`II thatvengages the case wall b andsupiports'the main body portion of thebar somewhat spaced from thatwall. A plurality of screws vI2 are passed through openings I3 in lthewall and are threaded linto the bar I to secure it solidly 'tothe-case,las shown in Fig. 14.

The bar 5 is `formed 'with a central longitudinally extending slot I 4,as noted in Fig. 18, land this receives the rib `II therein 'as a guidefor the -relative longitudinal movement of the case on the bar5; thismovement being limited by the length of the slot in the bar to arelatively short movement required for the printing and indexingoperation.

By reference to FigsQ'l and 8, it will be understood that the voppositelongitudinal edge portions of the body of bar vI ll'overlap the bar/5along the'opposite sides of slot I4 and in this way, the bar 5 is heldin place but is left free for the Vintended relative movement of bar andcase.

The bar AII) supports the type carrying belt thereon, as will presentlybe 'fully described, vand 'therefore it will lbe understood that, withthe "lower end of the stationary frame engaged with a Vprinting surfaceas in Fig. v17, the downward movement of the case from its normal lifted'position, along the stationary frame member =5, moves the bar I Ilaccordingly and in this w-ay moves a selected type into printing contactwith the printing surface. This will presently be more fully described.

Mounted in `spaced and transversely `alined relationship, just withinthe opposite side flanges 6 6 at the lower end of the lbar l5, are thepaired indexing and guide wheels I5-I5. Th'ese wheels are of the samesize, and each is revolubly mounted on a short stud I6 that is fixed inthe corresponding iiange 6. A peripheral portion ofeach wheel projectsslightly below the flanged end of the bar 5 and this normally extendsslightly from the lower open end of the case, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.Thus, in the use of the device, the wheels are adapted to engage inrolling contact with the writing surface.

To insure proper holding traction of these wheels with the writingsurface, it is desirable that the periphery of each roller be sharplycorrugated or knurled as shown best in Fig. 6.

Fixed to the outer face of each wheel, concentric thereof, to serve as ameans for effect'- ing its turning advancement, is a ratchet wheel I1,see Figs. 5 and 6, and eachl indexing wheel is prevented from reverseturning by a pawl EB that is pivoted on the corresponding flange G by astud I9 and is held yieldingly in contact with the ratchet by a springarm 2B that presses down'- wardly thereagainst. The spring arms areformed at the opposite ends of a metal clip 2| that is removably appliedto the lower end of bar 5, as seen in Figs. 5 and 6, and held in placeby a tongue 2'2 that extends from its top edge and is bent into a hole22 in the lower end of bar 5 as shown in Fig. 5. The clip is held inplace beneath two tongues '2 Ia that are outwardly struck from the loweredge portion of plate 5; this also being shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

IThe wheels I5-I5 are rotatably advanced in unison and to the sameextent, with the initial downward action of the case and :type carryingmeans along the stationary carriage to thereby eifect the properindexing -or spacing of printed 'characters before printing takes place.The actual printing is effected by the nal downward movement ofV thecase, as presentlyexplained. The rotary advancement of the indexingwheels "is effected 'by a pair of pawls 23 that Aare arranged to engagethe ratchet wheels II--II when the case is moved downwardly. These arepivotally 'supported at the opposite ends of a cross shaft '24 that, inturn, 'is 'carried by a pair of upturned 'wings 25-25 at the ends ofarms` 26-26 extended laterally in opposite directions from the lower endof bar Ill. The pawls 23 will so engage the ratchet wheels Il 1that whenthe case yI is moved downwardly along bar 5, they will simultaneouslyrotate the wheels lI5 to the same extent, thus to cause straightindexing travel of the case along the printing surface against whichthey rest. Also, since the downward shifting of the case is to the sameextent for each printing operation, the wheels effect an exact spacingof characters. The pawls 23 are held yieldingly against the ratchetwheels by spring arms 28 'that are fixed to `the lower end of bar I l,as seen in Figs. '5 and 6.

At its upper end, the bar I0 terminates in a forwardly turned lu-g 30that is located just below the out-turned flange 'I at the upper end ofbar 5. Fixed in the lug 30 and extending freely through a hole 3| Vinflange l, is a tubular `stud 32'. This is formed at its upper end withan annul-a1` flange 33, and applied about thi-s stud is a coiled spring34 that bearsagainst the flangef33 and against the flange I toyieldingly support the case -at its upper limit relative to thestationary frame bar 5, or, in other words, this spring serves to urgethe stationary carriage downwardly in the case to the slightly extendedposition in which itis shown in Figs. 1, 2 an'd 3,

The character 'selector sleeve 35 is well shown in Fig. 17, and for mostpractical use, is 'of a transparent material in order that the characterdesignations on the case can be seen therethrough. It has a line xmarked thereon, known as the indexing line, and this is used in makingcharacter selections for printing. Set within the recess 3b formed inone side of the sleeve at a location that will'b'e beneath the indexringer of the hand in which the device is held for use, is a yieldablelpawl or plate 3l fixed in place at one edge by a 'screw 38 `as noted inFig. 4, and at the opposite edge of the plate (see Fig. 3) is a down-`turned tooth' 39 that projects into an opening 40 in the sleeve, Formedin the underlying side wall 'of the case, substantially to its fulllength, isa ratchet toothed surface comprising the upwardly faced teeth4I. Whenever the selector sleeve line is registered with a characterdesignation on the case, and the pawl is pressed inwardly, it willeffect an interlock with the case land thereby provide that by adownward appli- Y'cation f'f'pr'essure on the sleeve by the hand holdingdevice i'n normal use as in Fig. 17, the case will be moved downwardlyalong the stationary carriage frame bar 5. This movement is slight butthe initial downward movementcau'ses the pawl vZ3 t'o `engage theratchet wheels I'I to rotate lthe wheels I5 to advance the device forthe indexing or spacing 'of the character that is to be printed fromthat last printed. Then, after indexing, thelnal downward action of thecase effects the direct printing of the selected char- 7 acters on theprinting surface, as presently ex- ,plained.

Supported on the bar ID, at upper and lower ends thereof, are pulleywheels 55 and 5l, and mounted for travel thereover is an endless linkbelt. This belt is made up of a succession of identical, pivotallyconnected links '52 as shown in Figs. 12 and 15, and on each link, withone exception, is a type 54 for printing a certain character, and thesetypes are individually represented by the characters on the face of thecase. One link of the belt mounts a blank lug to which the beltoperating means is connected, as later explained.

The belt carrying pulley 5I at the lower end of bar I has four flatfaces, as seen in Fig. 5, and each face is of the same length as a beltlink, as shown in Fig. 13, and the links in passing thereover, flatlyengage these surfaces.

The type belt extends along opposite sides of bar I0 and there is a flatbar or plate 55 fixed to the top side of bar I5, and this overlies thetwo longitudinal runs of the belt as shown best in Figs. 3 and 9.

The cross, sectional View, Fig. 9, shows the two runs of the type beltas being contained for travel in laterally opening channels that areformed along opposite sides of the bar l0 by the application of plate 55to the top side of the bar. Removal of plate 55 permits removal of thetype belt.

Fixed rigidly to the selector sleeve 35, as shown in Fig. 3, is an arm56 that extends into the case through a slot 51 formed lengthwise in theside wall r thereof. The inner end ci the arm 55 overlies the bar I0 andthe type belt, and at that end is pivotally connected, as at 58, withone end of a link 60. The link 60 has a limited 0scillating action, andat its lower end is pivotally fastened to the blank type lug 5?. of thetype belt. Thus, it will be understood that, when the sleeve 35 is movedalong the case to register its indexing mark :r with the diierentcharacter designations, the belt will be caused to travel about itssupporting pulleys 50 and 5I and, by this travel, any desired type maybe brought into printing position; that is, seated against thedownwardly directed ilat surface of the pulley 5l.

It will here be explained that the type on the belt are arranged in thesame printing order as are the type character designations in the twocolumns on the case, and that the point of connection of link G0 withthe blank type lug 52 of the type belt is between those links whichcarry the type for character A and that for the question mark. Or,should any other arrangement of characters be made, the connection withthe type belt is always between the type characters thereon that arerepresented by the characters that are at the lower ends of thecharacter columns on the case.

It is to be observed by reference to Figs. 12 and 13 that the upper endof link 55 extends somewhat above the pivot point 58, and there has aninturned end 60 adapted to engage limit shoulders 56a and 55o todenitely limit the extent of its oscillating action. This limit ofmovement prevents the moving force that is applied to the type belt inmoving the selector downwardly, from forcing the belt outwardly againstthe inking pads, presently to be described.

Also, the lower end terminal edge of the slot 5l is accuratelydetermined so that when the arm 56 is brought against it, the beltmoving pressure is removed from the link 60 and it is free to beactuated across the dead center position in making a changeoveroperation.

Assuming that the connecting link 59 is disposed in the angular positionin which it is shown in Fig. 3 or in Fig. 13, the adjustment of thesleeve 35 along the case through the length of that column containingthe letter designating characters will successively bring each one ofthe letter printing types into printing position at the lower end of thebar l! and flatly against a face of pulley wheel 5I as is thatparticular type designated at t in Fig. 13. However, should it bedesired to print from any of those type represented by the characters ofthe right-hand column, as shown in Fig. 1, it is necessary that theangular position of link G0 be changed from that in which it is shown inFig. 13 to that of Fig. 12. This changeover operation, from one side tothe other, becomes necessary each time it is desired to print acharacter that is represented in a different column from that lastprinted. For example, to write H2 would require 'first moving theselector sleeve 35 along the case for registering the indexing line Xwith the character designation H in the letter column on the case, thenprinting the letter, then adjusting the selector sleeve to its downwardlimit of travel on the case, then moving it upwardly to register theindexing line X with the numeral 2 on the case, then printing thenumeral. Each time the character' selector sleeve is moved to its limitof travel downwardly, the angular direction of link E0 is changed fromone side to the other, and this changeover is effected by means now tobe described.

Fixed to the under side of the link Ell, just below its point of pivotalconnection with the inner end of arm 56, is a V-shaped tooth lil. Thistooth is symmetrically disposed relative to the longitudinal line of thelink G0 and in pointed downwardly, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

Mounted in a longitudinal groove ll formed in the top side of the lowerend portion of the bar Ill, as seen in Fig. 14, is a block 12 in whichthe lower end of a stud 13 is fixed. This stud extends upwardly througha slot 'Hl in the belt retainer strip 55. Fixed on the post is one endof a spring-like prong 15 that extends along the top side of the beltcover plate, as shown in Figs. 12 and 14, and is in such position thatit will engage with that inclined face of the tooth 'lll that is mostnearly downwardly directed when the selector sleeve is shifted to itslower limit.

Assuming that the link 50 and tooth TQ are inclined as in Fig. 13, andare moved to the lower limit of travel, the upper end of the prong l5first engages the inclined, right-hand side surface of the tooth 10 andslides therealong. up to and then abuts a downwardly facing shoulder Sat the base of the tooth, as shown in Fig. 13. The sleeve has not yetreached its limit of downward travel; therefore farther downward travelof the selector sleeve causes the prong to exert an eccentric pressureagainst the tooth and by that pressure to urge the lower end of link 6Utoward the of eccentric pressure in a manner whereby to carry it acrossthe dead center position between that in which the lever is shown inFigs, and l?, and move it to the position of inclination in which it isshown in Fig. 12. Then, when the selector sleeve is adjusted upwardalong the the type that are represented by the characters in the columnat the right-hand side of the case in Fig. 1 will be successivelybrought into printing position.

The same carry-over action takes place when the selector sleeve is movedto its downward limit after printing of a numeral or symbol representedin the rig-ht hand column.

The upper pulley 50 which supports the type belt, is mounted on a pivotpin 5D fixed in a slide plate 66. The plate B6, as noted in Fig. 6, isset in a recessed partl of the bar I and is formed with a longitudinalslot. 61 through which a set screw 68- is passed and threaded into thebar It. By this means,Vv slack in the type belt may be taken up as andif required.. To hold the plate in` place, it is equipped at one endwith guide wings 66 `which slidably engage with opposite sides of theend portion of bar I0. These wings are best shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

It will be noted more particularly by reference to Fig. 14,. that thepost 13 which mounts the spring prong 'l5 is integral with the slide i2that is fitted for movement in the groove Il formed longitudinally inther lower end of the bar I0. A coiled spring H5L is anchored at one endto a stud 'l1 in the bar, and at its other end tothe slide. to" permitof a certain downward yielding, or travel of the slide after the pronghas engaged a base shoulder of the tooth lil. This spring yields withthe final downward' movement of the selector sleeve, but retains adefinite pressure on thev tooth base that will operate to carry thelowerend ofthe lever 6D across the dead center line when the finaldownwardadjustment of the selector sleeve is reached.

NoteY is to` be taken that the link of the type belt that mountsI thertype that is selected for printing will, at the time of printing, beflatly disposed against anat downwardly facing surface of th'e'lwheel5-Iatthe lower end of bar i3; Thus, printing' pressure applied throughpressure on the ban-Will have no tendency to turn the pulley wheel15l.

A characterselection is-made by' registering the line X of the selectorsleeve with the character designationv onv the; case. Then',` the sleeveis locked, by depression of. the latch pawl 3l with the case. D'uringtheprinting operation, this interlock is maintained, but as soon as onecharacter printing operation has been completed, the user merely'releases his down pressure on the sleeve, andi the spring 34 immediatelyrestores the case andY stationary carriage to their normal, or startingpositions, withl the-type free and clear of' the writing surface'.-Holding pressure on the latch` pawl' is' not removed until" after thecase has-been lifted. This prevents. the. spring action from' causingthe device toy have any tendency to jump from the paper'. The device is"not lifted from the surface during the printing of` words or sentences;therefore, the knurled surfaces of theindexing wheels 5lkeep it inalin'ement. Care isv taken not to move the-device from' the uprightposition shown int Fig; 17 inv making a character selection, in order toget best printing results;

When the device ls not in use, and, for example, is being carried invthe` pocket, it is desirable that the select'or'sleevebe locked againstmovement. This is effected by a locking button 80, shown in= Fig. 4i,tha'tis'iixedlbyV a stud 8l to the sleeve 35i adjacent.` the latch 31.By depressing this latch, and rotating'the button; an edge portionthereof4 may be located over the latch edge to hold it depressed.

In order that the'1 type: maybe kept in an adequately'inkedc'onditionfor printing; I have provided: two.l elongated"` inking; padsSli- 90 thatr are supportedilengthwisef of'thetwo'runs of the type beltas is shown in Fig. 3. Each pad is held in a metal frame 92 oftrough-like character facing the belt, and eachy trough is supported inplace by attachment at its upper end to a rather elongated leg portionot an inverted U-shaped yoke 95 that is fixed to the under side of thepreviously mentioned plate 2.- Enclosing the upper portion of this yoke,and also xed to the under side of the plate, to iit frictionally in theupper end of the case l, is a housing 95 that serves as a sort of guidefor the legs of the yoke.

The yoke 95- ismade from a spring metal strip and its leg portions towhich the ink pad frames are secured, normally hold the pads disengagedfromy the type; however, at the lower end of each of'I the pad holdingframes 92, is an inclined wing Q1 and these wings are adapted tobeengaged with inwardly pressed ears 98 on the flange 6 6, each time thecase is moved downwardly along the bar 5, to thereby cause the frames tobe moved inwardly and momentarily into ink-ing contact with all typefaces. This takes place with each printing" operation and is sufficientto keep all type adequately inked at all times- The inking unit may bebodily withdrawn from the upper end` of the case for recharging the padswith ink should this be necessary.

For easy withdrawal of this unit, I have affixed a knurled nut or button99`-to the cap 2. This nut is held in place, being threaded onto atubular stud lill)A that extends throughy plate 2`. The stud servesprimarily as the means for aixing the yoke 95 and housing.x 96 to thecap plate 24, as seen in Fig. k3.

Mention will here be made that, due to the fact that the ink pads mustbe disposedr in a certain position in the case, the open end of the casei which receivesthe frame 96, is so designed that the case can not beinserted except in the correct manner. This insures against insertingthe ink pad frames in inverted position.

Mounted inv the tubular stud is a removable pencil L62 equipped witheraser |03.

While I havel shown the actual printing to be eiected by means of typethat are aiiixed to a continuous chain belt operating over the pulleys50A and 5i, it is now anticipated that in lieul of the belt, a wheelmight be mounted to revolve on a pivot corresponding' to the pulleywheel 5|, that the type be mounted` on the periphery ofthis wheel, andthat theselection of the type be made by mea-ns corresponding to thatalready described, but which is connected by a flexiblebelt or linkageto cause rotation ofthe wheel with the upward and downward travelY ofthe selector sleeve.

Assuming' thel various parts of the device to be constructed asdescribedand assembled in the mannerillustratedthe use of the device,briefly, is' as follows:

It is held in the hand and applied to the writing surfaoein the mannerillustrated by Fig. 17. The character selection is` then made by movingthe selector sleeve 35 along the case to bring the line X- thereon intoregistration with the desired character.' Then the latch pawl 3l isdepressed to-lock the sleeve against movement along the-case.4 Therradownward application of pressure-.is'applied to thesleeve, thereby tomove the casel downwardly. With the initial downward movement of thecase, the indexing wheels advance the device one space alongV thewriting surface. The final downward movement of the case moves theselected type into contact with the surface and effects thevrv printingoperation.

Downward pressure against the case is then relieved and the spring 34operates to lift the case and sleeve back to starting position. Thenholding pressure on the latch 31 is released and this frees the selectorsleeve for travel in making the next character selection.

With each downward application of force on the case, the ink pad framesare pressed momentarily into contact with the type along opposite sidesof the bar l0, and this is sufficient to keep them adequately inked,assuming of course that the same character is not being repeatedlyprinted. If such should be the case, it is required that the type beinked periodically.

It will here be mentioned that it is desirable that before a printingoperation, a trial of the device should be made to ascertain whether ornot the device is set on the letter printing column or on the numeralprinting column. This can be ascertained by printing one character. Ifit is found that the device is not set as desired, then it is properlyset by moving the selector sleeve 35 completely to the lower end of itstravel and then lifting it back to the character to be selected.

Devices of this character are to be made in a size convenient forcarrying in the vest pocket, but might be made in larger sizes ifdesired.

I claim:

1. A printing device of the character described comprising a verticalcarriage member, indexing wheels mounted on the lower end of thecarriage member to engage in rolling contact directly against a surfaceto be printed upon, a case mounted on the carriage member for limited upand down movement thereon, yieldable means normally supporting the caseat its upper limit of movement on the carriage member, a type carrierelement adjustably mounted on the case for up and down movementtherewith; character forming type on the carrier element, a characterselector means slidable along the case for adjusting the type carrier toselectively locate the type thereon in position for being impressedagainst the printing surface by the downward movement of the case on thecarriage member, means to effect a locked relationship between thecharacter selector means and case for the downward actuation of thelatter through the mediacy of the selector means, and means operable bythe downward movement of the case on the carriage member to turn theindexing wheels for a definite advancement of the carriage member on thesaid surface.

2. A printing device of the character described comprising a Verticalcarriage member, interval indexing wheels at its lower end adapted to beengaged against a printing surface, a case applied to the carriagemember and having limited up and down movement therealong, beltmountings mounted on the case and movable therewith, one of saidmountings being at the lower end of the case; a belt mounted for travelon said mountings and equipped at intervals therealong with characterprinting type, a character selector member freely slidable along thecase and having connection with the belt for the movement thereof in theselective positioning of the type characters at the lower end of thecase in position for their impression against the printing surfaceincident to moving the case to its lower limit of travel on the carriagemember and means on the selector member for effecting a holdin-gconnection with the case.

3. A printing device of the character described comprising an uprightcarriage member equipped at its lower end with interval indexing meansfor engaging against a printing surface, a case applied about thecarriage member and having limited up and down movement therealong,yieldable means normally supporting the case at its upper position onthe carriage member, an adjustable type carrier mounted in the case andmovable therewith, a sleeve freely slidable on the case for adjustingthe carrier to selectively locate the type in position at the lower endof the case for being impressed against the printing surface incident tomovement of the case to its lower limit of travel on the carriagemember, means operable by such printing movement of the case forfunctionally actuating the indexing means for the spacing ofsuccessively printed characters and means on the sleeve for effecting atemporary interlock between the sleeve and case for the movement of thelatter through the mediacy of the sleeve.

4. A device as recited in claim 3 wherein the indexing means comprises apair of wheels engaging the surface for the guided movement of thecarriage, a ratchet for rotating the wheels and a pawl on the caseengageable with the ratchet to rotate the wheels a denite interval witheach printing action of the case and prior to the impressing of the typeagainst a surface.

5. A printing device of the character described comprising a verticalcarriage member, interval indexing wheels at its lower end adapted to beengaged against a printing surface, a case applied about the carriagemember for limited up and down movement thereon, yieldable means actingagainst the case to normally support it at its upper position on thecarriage member, a belt guide member mounted in the case at its lowerend, another belt guide member in the upper portion of the case, anendless belt mounted for travel about said guide members, typecharacters applied to the belt at spaced intervals therealong; said casehaving character designations thereon corresponding to the said typecharacters, and a type selector member freely movable on the case, meansoperatively connecting the selector with the belt for moving the latter,whereby the positioning of the selector in registration with anycharacter designation will move the belt to locate the correspondingtype in position for its being impressed against the printing surfaceincident to movement of the case to its lower limit on the carriagemember and yieldable means on the selector member adapted to be pressedinto holding contact with the case for its downward actuation to effecta printing operation.

6. A device as recited in claim 5 including an inking pad in the caseand means operable by said downward actuation of the case along thecarriage to effect inking contact of the pad with type on the type belt.

7, A printing device of the character described comprising an uprightcarriage adapted to be engaged at its lower end against a printingsurface, a tubular case enclosing the said member for up and downadjustment therealong and open at its lower end for the said carriage toproject therefrom, a belt guide pulley in the case at its lower end,another belt guide pulley in the case near its upper end, an endlessbelt operable over said pulleys, character printing type mounted on thebelt, a spring acting against the carriage and case to normally hold thelatter in its lifted position and the type belt clear of the printingsurface, a type selector member movable freely along the case withoutlifting it from the printing surface and having an operative connectionwith the belt for the selective positioning of its type in printingposition at the lower end of the case, and means on the selector mem-berfor effecting a holding connection with the case whereby a downwardmovement of the case to effect the printing of a selected type may beeffected through a hand hold on the selector member.

8. A printing device as recited in claim 7 wherein a pair of indexingand guide wheels is provided on the carriage at its lower end forengaging the printing surface, and pawl and ratchet means is operableautomatically with the initial downward travel of the case on thecarriage to actuate said indexing wheels to shift the device forcharacter spacing.

9. A device of the character described comprising a carriage adapted forcontact at one end with a printing surface, a case enclosing thecarriage for limited up and down movement thereon and having an openlower end for the carriage end to extend in contact with the printingsurface therethrough, belt mounting pulleys in the case, one being atits lower end; a continuous belt extended about the pulleys in the case,type fixed on the belt at spaced intervals therealong substantiallythroughout its length, a type selector member slidable along the case, alink pivotally connected at its ends to said selector member and beltfor the adjustment of the belt to selectively dispose the type inprinting position at the lower end of the case, and means for causingthe link end that is attached to the belt to be urged across the deadcenter whenever shifted to its lowermost limit, whereby movement of theselector member between its limits in one direction along the case willbring the type on one run of the belt to printing position and itsmovement between said limits in its other direction will bring the typeof the other run into printing position.

10. A device of the character described comprising a carriage adapted tobe placed in contact at its lower end with a printing surface, a caseenclosing the carriage, belt mounting pulleys in the case at its upperand lower ends, a type mounting belt extended about said pulleys, a typeselector sleeve slidable on the case, a rigid arm extended from theselector sleeve to a line between said pulleys, a link pivotallyconnecting the inner end of the arm and belt, for effecting travel ofthe belt for type selection by the shifting of the sleeve along thecase, and means for causing the link end to be urged across the deadcenter from one side of the lower pulley to the opposite side, when itis shifted by the selector means to its lowermost limit of travel.

11. A device as in claim 10 wherein the means for shifting the linkacross the dead center line comprises a. transverse abutment member onthe link having a V-shaped projection directed downwardly therefromalong the center line of the link, and a laterally flexible prongmounted at its lower end on the case and extended upwardly 6 to aposition for contact at its upper end with a. side surface of theV-shaped projection, when the link approaches its thereby to be guidedinto contact with the abutment at one side of the V-shaped projection,to rock the link on its mounting and cause its lower end to be urgedacross the dead center line of travel across the lower guide pulley.

12. A printing device of the character described comprising a carriagemember adapted to be engaged at its lower end against a printingsurface, a case applied about the carriage member for limited up anddown movement thereon, yieldable means acting against the case tonormally support it at its upper position on the carriage member, a beltguide member mounted in the case at its lower end, another belt guidemember in the upper portion of the case, an endless belt mounted fortravel about said guide members, type characters applied to the belt atspaced intervals therealong; a type selector member slidable on thecase, an arm fixed to the selector member and extended inwardlytherefrom to the line of the guide member axes, a link pivotallyconnected at its ends to the end of said arm and to the belt, atransverse abutment member on the link adjacent its point of connectionwith the arm, having a V-shaped projection extended therefrom downwardlyalong the link, and a laterally flexible prong mounted at its lower endon the case and extended upwardly to a position for contact at its upperend with a side surface of the V-shaped projection when the linkapproaches its lower limit of travel, thereby to be guided into contactwith the abutment at one side of the V-shaped projection to rock thelink in its mounting across the dead center line of travel.

13. In a printing device, a case, a pair of spaced belt carriers mountedon the case, an endless type carrier belt extended about the saidcarriers for travel thereon, a type selector member slidable in oppositedirections along the case parallel with the line of the belt carriers, alink pivotally connected at its ends to the belt and to the selectormember for moving the belt by the shifting of the selector member alongthe case, and means on the case adjacent one of the belt carriers forcausing the link to be urged across the dead center point from one sideof the carrier to the other when the link reaches that limit of travel.

HEINRY MOSSBACH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS lower limit of travel,

Number Name Date 1,381,798 Charles June 14, 1921 '732,551 Hansen June30, 1903` 702,706 Coffman June 17, 1902 516,973 Hess Mar. 20, 1894FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 182,504 Germany 1907 524,560 France1921 39,201 Denmark 1928

